How Mocha Overcame the Odds

Over Memorial Day weekend, a Good Samaritan found a helpless, injured puppy on Oceanside Blvd. near the I-5 freeway and quickly searched for help. When the broken nine pound
puppy, now named Mocha, arrived at our Oceanside Campus, our veterinarians took x-rays and began critical care.

Mocha was unable to walk or move her back legs at all. She had two badly broken legs and a dislocated hip. Surgery was her only hope, and this sweet little girl needed a very specialized surgery to begin to heal. Unfortunately, this surgery required expert equipment that our medical team doesn’t have. Mocha was in pain, but still wagged her tail during exams and gently kissed the faces of the medical team who was working frantically to bring her comfort.

Knowing we didn’t have the specialized equipment necessary to fix Mocha’s injuries, our medical team reached out to Veterinary Specialty Hospital and Palomar Medical Center in Escondido for help. Both responded without hesitation to help this little girl who already won the hearts of so many.

Because of the specialized surgical equipment donated by Palomar Medical Center and expert care from Surgical Specialist Dr. Katy Fryer, Mocha got her second chance. Mocha’s recovery would be long, but our medical team ensured she was comfortable, eating well and had plenty of time outside to enjoy the sunshine. A week after surgery, Mocha was doing well enough to be placed in a foster home where she could receive ongoing physical therapy and continue to heal.

Today, Mocha is thriving in her foster home. Her foster mom even brings Mocha along on walks in a stroller so she doesn’t have to miss out on the fun with her foster canine siblings. She’s still on a long road to recovery, but Mocha will have a second chance at life thanks to your support and caring community partners like Dr. Fryer and Palomar Medical Center, who selflessly responded and gave Mocha a chance at a new life.

We’re immensely grateful for these community partners who care deeply about pets and understand the important role they play in our own health and well-being.